glad when this terrible business gets cleared up. Tell--me. What
is on your mind? What is it that worries you now?"

I noticed then that Dodge seemed wrought-up and a bit unnerved,
for he sank rather heavily into a chair, brushed his face with his
handkerchief and breathed heavily. Elaine hovered over him
solicitously, repeating her question.

With a mighty effort he seemed to get himself together. He rose
and turned to Bennett.

"Perry," he exclaimed, "I've got the Clutching Hand!"

The two men stared at each other.

"Yes," continued Dodge, "I've just found out how to trace it, and
tomorrow I am going to set the alarms of the city at rest by
exposing--"

Just then Dodge caught sight of me. For the moment I thought
perhaps he was going to fulfill his threat.

"Who the devil--why didn't you tell me a reporter was here,
Jennings?" he sputtered indignantly, pointing toward the door.

Argument, entreaty were of no avail. He stamped crustily into the
library, taking Bennett with him and leaving me with Elaine.
Inside I could hear them talking, and managed to catch enough to
piece together the story. I wanted to stay, but Elaine, smiling at
my enthusiasm, shook her head and held out her hand in one of her